A rigid, single-lumen, surgical instrument intended to be percutaneously inserted through the chest and through the pericardial cavity to facilitate the introduction of surgical instruments as part of a minimally-invasive cardiac procedure (e.g., epicardial ablation). It is intended for subxiphoid or transdiaphragmatic access, and once in place is intended to remain in position for the duration of the procedure. It may include a trocar blade intended to assist introduction. This is a single-use device.